It’s official. Twitter is everywhere and along with your friends, favorite celebrities, and pets, organizations of all sizes are getting involved in a big way.

 

These days, Twitter helps people like you stay informed about news, people and organizations that interest them. When they sign up and follow a Twitter account, those updates, or “Tweets” become a part of their Twitter stream, which they can track each day.

 

It’s these tweets that create an opportunity for businesses to build connections with followers, one update at a time. It can turn a simple click into a long term relationship that can inform, educate, and endear.

Here’s how a few businesses are using Twitter.

Zach is a maven of mobile food. His popular lunch truck appears in a new spot in the city every day.He used to show up wherever there was a crowd.  But now, the crowd comes to him.

 

That’s because devoted lunch-goers follow him on Twitter. Now he’s able to inform followers about his location and get ready for the rush. But it’s not just small businesses.  

 

Emi’s customer service department at a Fortune 500 company has been on Twitter for a year now. While her team is dedicated to posting tweets and responding to customers, she’s focused on listening. People mention her product every day on Twitter. 

 

Using Twitter Search, she can stay on top of what’s being said around the world whenever someone mentions her company. This instant access to relevant information has become her company’s early warning system and a valuable of way of engaging customers.

 

For Raghav though, Twitter is simply a better way to communicate. For years his non-profit primarily used mailers and email to alert patrons of projects and campaigns. Now, along with monthly updates, his organization can use daily tweets to build long term relationships. Their interactions on Twitter endear patrons in a way that other communications can’t.

 

For many, Twitter works because people who click “follow” choose to be involved and many stay involved over time. And keeping  them engaged may mean having conversations, using humor, sharing interesting links or photos and videos.

 

But Twitter also comes with some risk. It’s easy to post something regrettable. That’s why policies that ensure Twitter is used responsibly are important for an organization’s reputation.

 

Further, a strategy for Twitter, like any outside communication, can be helpful. If you see potential for your business, signing up is quick and free. Use your account to follow others and share your unique perspective, and don’t forget to start spreading the word.

 

Soon enough, you’ll see why Twitter is everywhere.